The company, in Licking County, churns out more than 5 million gallons of ice cream each year on the 25-acre grounds of Ye Olde Mill, where visitors can tour the ice cream and milling museum. The playground, picnic area and fishpond are popular with families. Contact: velveticecream.com

3. Mount Rushmore National Memorial, S.D. Thomas Jefferson is known for service to his country, efforts that included writing the Declaration of Independence and serving as president. But few know that he was one of the first in the new country to enjoy ice cream year-round, having learned how to make it while he was ambassador to France.

This summer, Xanterra Parks & Resorts will serve the vanilla recipe that Jefferson offered his guests at a state dinner at Monticello. Monumental scoops of "TJ's Ice Cream" are available throughout the summer at the Memorial Team Ice Cream shop. Contact: nps.gov/moru; mtrushmorenationalmemorial.com

5. Little Man Ice Cream, Denver. Visit this Coney Island-inspired creamery for handmade and locally sourced treats, made in a 28-foot-tall silver cream can. Little Man is committed to a Scoop for Scoop program. For every scoop of ice cream purchased, the organization provides a scoop of rice or beans to those less fortunate in developing parts of the world. Contact: littlemanicecream.com

- Dallas Morning News

SAVE THE DATE

July 25

» Jack Voight of the Butterfly Gardens of Wisconsin, N2550 State 47, Appleton,will host a tour 6-7:30 p.m.. Learn how the seven-acre butterfly garden was established. Randy Powers of Prairie Future Seed Co. will be on hand to answer questions. Free. Visit www.butterflygardensofwisconsin.com.